Mack Pinnacle, first impressions!!

Discussion in 'Mack Forum' started by Dave1837, Mar 14, 2021.

  1. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    I've never driven a Mack on the road other than an old RD and CL, both for agricultural use, but I've always wanted to. I grew up riding in the passenger seat of Macks basically my entire youth with my father. Since I started driving, I've always driven a Paccar product. I started in a 379 with a C15, then a 386 with an MX13 (my favorite), then a W900 with an X15. All trucks had an 18 speed.

    Starting my new job I was issued a Mack Pinnacle with an MP8 445/1500 backed by a 10 speed. Climbing inside l, the first thing I noticed was how ergonomic everything was. It had all the necessary gauges and a nice wood grain dashboard. The seats were very basic, but still comfortable. Leg and head room is more than enough, and with the high rise sleeper I feel well accommodated. I have 2 decent size cabinets in the sleeper, one includes a closet and the other includes a pull-out shelf that I use as a desk.

    I was surprised at how well it pulls. Much like the MX13 I ran, this MP likes the lower RPMs. 12-1,550 is the sweet spot, but with a 10 speed it can be hard to keep it there. I climb the same hills I used to about 3mph slower than the C15, so it holds it's own.

    Ride wise, it's day and night comparing it to a Pete. This truck will float down the road. I'm not sure if the super single tires have anything to do with that though.

    I've heard some bad things about Mack since volvo bought them out, but after driving this truck I feel that there's still a lot to like about them. I know they're not what they used to be, but I'm pretty impressed by it. Hopefully it lasts me a while!
     
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  3. Allinone777

    Allinone777 Bobtail Member

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    Welcome to the Volvo family! As you know it's same as D13 engine. Just deferent cab style. I love Volvo trucks ...
     
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  4. Danny707

    Danny707 Light Load Member

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    What’s year is the truck ? I’m looking at a 2016 pinnacle day cab with the MP8 12 speed auto at the moment it’s competing with a 2016 579 Peterbilt with a MX13. I’m going to test out both this Friday. Glad you’re liking the Mack since I don’t know many that drive them with a MP8.
     
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  5. poppapump1332

    poppapump1332 Road Train Member

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    MP pulls awesome!If I was to buy a newer truck it would be a CHU with the 505!
     
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  6. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    It's a 2015 with just over 500k
     
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  7. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    I definitely underestimated it. For a little 445 it'll run! Puts out 39 psi at the manifold lol
     
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  8. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    I think while it's a ferrin' truck now, it's still pretty nice. For the record, I never said Pete was a nice riding truck, that Freightliner Columbia was by far, the nicest riding truck I ever drove. Hey, as long as it still has the bulldog hood ornament, and one axxhole can still look at another, you're in business.
     
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  9. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    I drove a 13’ Mack, 445 Mack engine as a company driver, it did pull good, but once a year it’d go in the Mack shop in Memphis and stay a month to get DEF problems fixed.
    I drove it 3 years, that was only issue it ever had.
     
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  10. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Same. I maybe have 5000-6000 miles pulling frac pumps at 100k. They did really well even passing some neutered company trucks on the hills. Even the 415s pulled good. Never been in the 505
     
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  11. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    While I know Volvo owns Mack now, I'm still gonna be a stubborn person and say Mack is superior to volvo lol after growing up around them I'll never be able to accept it
     
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